Mr. Victor Calise Named 2013 American Rehabilitation Champion

ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mr. Victor Calise, Commissioner for Disability for New York City, will receive the Foundation for PM&R American Rehabilitation Champion Award on Saturday, October 5.  The American Rehabilitation Champion Award recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrated courage, determination and hard work in rehabilitation (with the help of a physiatrist), and then went on to major accomplishment and community service.  The Award brings attention to the important role that PM&R plays in this process, and raises awareness of the difference between "recovery" and "rehabilitation."

Mr. Calise was nominated by Dr. Adam Stein, who treated him at Mount Sinai Hospital.  According to Dr. Stein, "Victor is testament to what individual motivation and excellent rehabilitation can accomplish.  After suffering paraplegia in a 1994 mountain bike accident, Victor immediately approached rehabilitation with aggressive determination."  Shortly after his injury, he took up sled hockey and became so skilled that he was chosen to represent the United States in the 1998 Nagano Paralympics.  He has since taught hundreds of children and young adults with disability his sport, helping them gain greater self-confidence.

Following his athletic career, Victor went to work for the New York City Parks Department, ultimately becoming responsible for recreational programs for people with disabilities in all New York City Parks.  In 2012, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Victor as his Commissioner for Disability.  Victor has been extremely visible as an effective advocate for New Yorkers with all forms of disability.  He has also been a featured medical student educator at two New York area medical schools, and has married and fathered two daughters. 

The 2013 American Rehabilitation Champion Award will be presented to Victor at 9:30 AM on Saturday, October 5 in the Potomac Ballroom of the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.  The awards ceremony is held in conjunction with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation's Annual Assembly.

About the Foundation for PM&R

The Foundation for PM&R is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing health, function and quality of life for individuals with disability through research and education in the field of physiatry (physical medicine and rehabilitation or PM&R).  For a complete media kit on about the Foundation, more information about Mr. Calise, or to set up an interview appointment, contact Phyllis Anderson at (847) 737-6062 or [email protected].

Contact: Jennifer Vince
312-593-4470
[email protected]

SOURCE Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation